Donors launch $430 million health fund in Zimbabwe

UNICEF and the EU have launched a $430 million fund that will give Zimbabwean children and pregnant women medical care. By Desmond Kwande (AFP/File)

MARONDERA , Zimbabwe (AFP) - A $430 million fund which will give Zimbabwean children and pregnant women free medical care at public hospitals was launched Monday with the help of the EU and UNICEF.

"The issue of user fees is one of the biggest barriers to poor women and children's access to life saving and critical health care in Zimbabwe," said Peter Salama, the UN children's agency country representative.

The Zimbabwe health care system which has collapsed from years of economic crisis requires $436 million over the next five years to improve capacity, particularly in the delivery of maternal care, according to UNICEF.

The fund is supported by various donor agencies and European countries such as Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Britain.

The money will supply medicine and basic equipment to clinics and hospitals around the country.

"There is a need for a unified, national effort towards improving access to quality health care, especially for women and children," said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, adding that the government was committed to achieving Millenium Development Goals by improving health services.

Health Minister Henry Madzorera also welcomed the funding, saying it will bring major relief and revitalise the ailing health sector.

"We are privileged to have a good physical and human resources infrastructure in this country and we are confident that with the necessary technical and financial backing, Zimbabwe's health sector will be revitalised," he said.

Over the last years Zimbabwe has been hit by recurring diarrhoea and cholera ourbreaks, which left scores dead.

This month over 6,000 cases of diarrhoea were reported in the towns of Masvingo and Kadoma and children were the worst affected.

Zimbabwe's health delivery system is slowly showing signs of recovery as a result of contributions from aid agencies.